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Professional Development: Two “Vitrine sur l’admin” Mentees at the NAC
July 21, 2023As part of its “Vitrine sur l’admin” mentorship program, the National Arts Centre (NAC) had the pleasure of welcoming two enthusiastic mentees this spring: Shannon Lacroix and Kevin Monchaux. The aim of the program, set up by the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC) and…
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David Serkoak: Talking to youth through drumming
July 14, 2023Sharing his passion for drum dancing with younger generations is what has kept David Serkoak busy over the last few decades. The Inuit elder, originally from Nunavut and a teacher (retired since 2012), visits schools and remote communities to lead workshops in drum making and drum…
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Juniper Locilento appointed CEO of NAC Foundation
June 19, 2023The NAC has announced the appointment of Juniper Locilento as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NAC Foundation, effective August 21, 2023. She succeeds Jayne Watson, who stepped down May 31, 2023, after 14 years in the position. Juniper Locilento brings 20 years of experience…
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Sarah Jennings: Sharing a lifelong passion for opera
June 15, 2023Sarah Jennings, political and cultural journalist and author of the book Art and Politics: The History of the National Arts Centre is a longtime friend and champion of the NAC. Her most recent gift to the NAC Foundation supports the NAC Orchestra’s in-concert performances of Mozart’s Don…
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Materials for Creation: Leaving a trace of the ephemeral arts
June 15, 2023“Creating something beautiful to celebrate the first five years of the National Creation Fund”: that’s what Sarah Garton Stanley (SGS) and Sarah Conn, co-editors of the book Materials for Creation, had in mind a year ago. Launched this month in Montréal and Toronto, the book is also a…
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Mozart meets Ivany: Two opera stars connect in the 21st century through...
June 8, 2023Joel Ivany knows opera. He is founder and artistic director of Against the Grain Theatre in Toronto; Artistic Director of Edmonton Opera; a familiar face to opera fans in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Norway, Australia, and elsewhere; writer of at least seven librettos for various…
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Two dedicated volunteers, one shared passion for volunteering
June 5, 2023Andrea retired from a large, American high-tech firm last year. She now works part-time as a consultant and enjoys her guilt-free time in the garden. Andrea started attending NAC performances in 1988 and became a donor in 2002. She and her husband began volunteering in the Ruddy Lounge for…
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Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer’s Journey to the NAC Stage
June 2, 2023Some things are worth waiting for. Over the past 18 months, NAC Indigenous Theatre Artistic Director Kevin Loring’s satirical play, Litte Red Warrior and His Lawyer, has challenged and entertained audiences from Victoria to Ottawa. A huge impact from its first performance, this play has…
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An Investment for Tomorrow
June 2, 2023On Thursday, May 11, the National Arts Centre Foundation celebrated a very special group of donors: those who have chosen to support the future of the performing arts by leaving a gift in their Will. Members of that special group—the Emeritus Circle—enjoyed an afternoon tea before watching…
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Bringing the Power of Reggae Music and More to Students Across the...
June 2, 2023It has been an eventful first season for Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the National Arts Centre’s Orchestra’s Principal Youth Conductor and Creative Partner, full of wonderful music making and important firsts. In February 2022, Daniel became the first Black titled conductor in the NAC…
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Genetikos: Unveiling Identity and Challenging Boundaries through Art
June 1, 2023Richard Heikkilä-Sawan is a Two-Spirit artist known for his vibrant and thought-provoking artwork. Born in Vancouver, he was adopted into a Mennonite family, unaware of his Indigenous heritage until later in life. Richard explores themes of identity, race, and social ideologies, often…
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Launching “Materials for Creation”
May 31, 2023"Why not call it a month of creation?" asked my gifted colleague and co-editor, Sarah Conn, when we were talking about the lead up to the launch of our book: Materials for Creation. A great idea, and for those of you who follow me on the socials, thanks for giving me the head room to speak…
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“The Fund positions accessibility as creative, artistic, and essential”
May 31, 2023The NAC’S National Creation Fund’s Disability-driven Initiatives The National Creation Fund is continually working to reimagine accessibility and what it looks like on stage, in conversation and in the processes of creation and funding applications. As we mark National AccessAbility Week…
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Deepening Our Inclusive Artistic Work: The Pan-Canadian Disability, Dance, Digital project
May 29, 2023On a freezing winter day in 2020, Shara Weaver, Propeller Dance’s Co-Founder, Co- Artistic Director, was struggling to deal with the organization’s reality during the pandemic. Shara is a neurodiverse, queer artist, choreographer and dance educator with lived experience in mental health…
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Celebrating National AccessAbility Week at the NAC
May 28, 2023National AccessAbility Week, celebrated annually in Canada, serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. “For the National Arts Centre, this is a time to reflect on how to best create a space where everyone can engage with and enjoy…